Studer A800 Tape Recorder by Universal Audio tape emulation plugin interface

Studer A800 Tape Recorder: Multichannel Tape Emulation Plugin by Universal Audio

Rated 4.8/5 on Plugin Boutique (608 ratings)

Studer A800 Tape Recorder is a tape emulation plugin from Universal Audio that models the Studer A800 multichannel tape machine. It is available in VST3, AU and AAX formats for Windows and macOS.

VST3AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

Studer A800 Tape Recorder is built to reproduce the sound of the Studer A800, a 2-inch multitrack tape machine introduced in 1978 and known for its warm analog character and solid low end. Universal Audio says the plugin models the machine's full circuit path, from the Input, Sync and Repro paths onward, and that it is authenticated by Studer. Its controls cover tape speed, tape formula, input and output levels, and a secondary set of Noise, EQ and Bias controls for shaping the tape color.

Best for

Tape saturation on drums
Warming up mix bus
Vocal tape color
Analog texture on synths
Multitrack tape emulation

Developer: Universal Audio
Category: Tape Emulation
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Works with any audio interface, with UAD Native and Apollo Realtime/UAD-2 versions included
Models the complete Studer A800 Input, Sync and Repro signal paths
Adjustable tape speeds of 7.5, 15 and 30 IPS
Four selectable tape formulas with distinct tonal variations
Secondary Noise, EQ and Bias controls for tape texture
Studer A800 LUNA Extension for per-channel mix warmth
Available in VST3, AU and AAX formats

03In depth

Tape Character, Speeds and Formulas

The IPS control switches between 7.5, 15 and 30 inches per second. Each speed has its own frequency shift, head bump and distortion character, so the same source can sound noticeably different depending on the setting.

The Type control offers four tape formulas, each with a subtle variation in tone. Combined with the Input and Output controls, you can run the signal clean or push it into harmonic saturation.

The Noise, EQ and Bias controls add a second layer of adjustment for more specific tape textures.

Using the Plugin on Individual Tracks and Full Mixes

The plugin includes both UAD Native and Apollo Realtime/UAD-2 versions. The UAD Native version runs on a Mac or PC without UA hardware, while the Apollo Realtime and UAD-2 version runs accelerated on Apollo interfaces and UAD-2 hardware.

The Studer A800 LUNA Extension is designed to add warmth across a whole mix on a per-channel basis, which makes it a practical option for mix bus and channel-level processing alike.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	Universal Audio
Type	Plugin
Category	Tape Emulation
Formats	VST3, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does Studer A800 Tape Recorder support?

It is available in VST3, AU and AAX formats. It runs on Windows and macOS.

What do I need to use Studer A800 Tape Recorder?

You need a supported DAW that is compatible with VST3, AU or AAX plugin formats, a free iLok account, and a free UA Connect application to manage the UAD Native plug-ins. An internet connection is required to download the software and authorize the plug-ins. An iLok USB key is supported but not required.

Does it work on Apple silicon Macs and 64-bit Windows?

Yes. The system requirements list macOS Big Sur 11 through Tahoe 26 with Intel, AMD or Apple silicon processors, and Windows 10 or Windows 11 in 64-bit editions.

Do I need UAD hardware to use it?

No. The UAD Native version runs on a Mac or PC without any UA hardware. The Apollo Realtime and UAD-2 version runs accelerated on Apollo interfaces and UAD-2 hardware.